Interior's $17.1M Satellite Phone Contract Awarded to Globafone Inc. for Nevada Operations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,138 ($17.1K)

Contractor: Globafone Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-05-16

End Date: 2027-05-31

Contract Duration: 1,110 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: SATELLITE PHONES WITH SERVICE BATTLE MOUNTAIN

Place of Performance

Location: BATTLE MOUNTAIN, LANDER County, NEVADA, 89820

State: Nevada Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $17,138.3 to GLOBAFONE INC for work described as: SATELLITE PHONES WITH SERVICE BATTLE MOUNTAIN Key points: 1. Contract value of $17.1M over approximately 3 years. 2. Globafone Inc. secured the award. 3. Potential risk associated with reliance on a single vendor for critical communication. 4. Sector: Telecommunications/IT.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $17.1M for satellite phones and service over 3 years appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment and service. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for satellite communications is necessary for a definitive assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. The use of a delivery order indicates flexibility in meeting evolving needs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from competitive pricing achieved through an open bidding process, ensuring value for money in essential communication services.

Public Impact

Ensures critical communication capabilities for Bureau of Land Management personnel in remote Nevada areas. Supports emergency response and operational efficiency in challenging terrains. Provides essential connectivity for activities like land management, resource monitoring, and public safety.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential vendor lock-in if service is highly specialized.
Dependence on satellite infrastructure for connectivity.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Firm fixed price contract limits cost uncertainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT and Telecommunications sector, specifically focusing on satellite communication services. Government spending in this area is crucial for maintaining operational capabilities in remote or underserved regions, often benchmarked against commercial rates for similar services.

Small Business Impact

No specific information is provided regarding small business participation in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as prime contractors or subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management is responsible for this contract. Oversight would involve monitoring service delivery, performance, and adherence to contract terms to ensure accountability and taxpayer value.

Related Government Programs

Satellite Telecommunications
Department of the Interior Contracting
Bureau of Land Management Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in.
Dependence on satellite infrastructure.
Need for detailed cost breakdown for benchmarking.
Limited information on small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $17,138.3 to GLOBAFONE INC. SATELLITE PHONES WITH SERVICE BATTLE MOUNTAIN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GLOBAFONE INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Land Management).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $17,138.3.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-05-16. End: 2027-05-31.

What is the specific per-unit cost for the satellite phones and monthly service, and how does it compare to commercial off-the-shelf pricing?

The provided data does not detail the per-unit cost for the satellite phones or the monthly service fees. A comprehensive value assessment would require breaking down the total contract value into these components and comparing them against current market rates for similar devices and service plans offered by other providers to ensure competitive pricing.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single vendor for satellite communication services in remote areas?

Relying on a single vendor for critical satellite communication services in remote areas poses risks such as service disruptions due to the vendor's technical issues, price increases upon contract renewal, and limited options for switching providers if performance degrades. This can impact operational continuity and potentially lead to higher long-term costs for the agency.

How effectively will these satellite phones and services support the Bureau of Land Management's mission in Nevada's diverse and often challenging terrain?

The effectiveness hinges on the reliability and coverage of Globafone's satellite network in Nevada's specific geographic areas, including mountainous regions and deserts. The firm fixed price contract suggests a commitment to service delivery, but actual effectiveness will be measured by uptime, call quality, and data transmission speeds during critical operations and emergencies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Satellite Telecommunications › Satellite Telecommunications

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - NETWORK

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: RFQ1686961

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 155 LAFAYETTE RD UNIT 1, NORTH HAMPTON, NH, 03862

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,138

Exercised Options: $17,138

Current Obligation: $17,138

Actual Outlays: $12,487

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F0074W

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline